Kenya Government Denies Opposition Claims of Biased ID Card Issuance Ahead of 2027 Elections
Nairobi, April 19, 2026 — A senior Kenyan official has dismissed allegations by opposition leaders that the government is deliberately delaying or selectively issuing national identity cards, calling the claims politically motivated misinformation.
Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, accused opposition figures of spreading falsehoods to create public unrest ahead of the 2027 General Election. He urged citizens to rely on verified government data rather than what he described as baseless accusations.
“No Delays, Only Political Manipulation”
In a strongly worded statement, Itumbi denied any systemic delays in ID processing, labeling the opposition’s narrative as an attempt to undermine trust in public institutions.
“What we are seeing is not a delay in services but a calculated effort to spread fear and push a false story of election interference,” Itumbi said. “The system is working efficiently, securely, and fairly for all eligible Kenyans.”
To support his argument, Itumbi cited recent data from Nakuru County, where over 1.4 million IDs had been issued as of April 18, 2026, with an additional 31,000 applications currently in progress. Nakuru East reportedly leads in processed applications, followed by Rongai, Naivasha, Njoro, and Molo.
“A system that has delivered over a million IDs in one county cannot honestly be called delayed,” he stated. “This is a structured, secure process ensuring every Kenyan receives their rightful identification.”
Opposition Accusations of Discrimination
The government’s response comes a day after Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto’s administration of favoring pro-government regions in ID issuance while allegedly stalling applications in opposition strongholds.
Speaking at a party event in Kiambu, Gachagua claimed that in areas perceived as loyal to Ruto, applicants received IDs within two to three days, while those in opposition-leaning regions waited three to four months.
“As we approach the 2027 elections, Ruto’s team is sensing defeat and resorting to discriminatory tactics,” Gachagua alleged. “All Kenyan youth deserve IDs, whether they support or oppose this government.”
The former Deputy President warned of potential mass protests if the alleged bias continues, threatening to mobilize youth to occupy registration centers and Huduma offices.
Government Warns Against “Weaponizing Misinformation”
Itumbi countered Gachagua’s claims, insisting that the national identification system remains impartial and efficient. He warned against what he called the “weaponization of false narratives” for political gain.
“It is unfortunate that some leaders choose to mislead citizens and erode trust in public institutions for short-term political gains,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to rely on official government communications and factual data, dismissing opposition claims as unfounded.
Broader Implications for 2027 Elections
The dispute over ID issuance highlights growing political tensions as Kenya prepares for the next general election. National identification documents are crucial for voter registration, making the process a potential flashpoint for electoral disputes.
While the government maintains that services are running smoothly, opposition leaders continue to raise concerns over fairness and transparency. With both sides digging in, the debate is likely to intensify in the coming months.
— Reported by Nexio News
